Vitreous: asteroid hyalosis: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Ophthalmology · Vitreous: asteroid hyalosis

Sample item

An elderly man's fundus examination reveals numerous small white spherical bodies that move with eye movement but settle back, with good vision. What is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Asteroid hyalosis

Asteroid hyalosis consists of calcium soap deposits in the vitreous gel and is usually unilateral, with minimal visual effects. In synchysis scintillans the cholesterol crystals settle to the bottom in a liquefied vitreous.

Option by option

  • A. Vitreous haemorrhage

    Vitreous haemorrhage is red.

  • B. Synchysis scintillans

    Synchysis scintillans crystals sink in liquefied vitreous.

  • C. Asteroid hyalosis (correct)

    Correct. White spheres that return to position are in a gel vitreous.

  • D. Vitritis

    Vitritis shows inflammatory cells.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Asteroid hyalosis. Asteroid hyalosis consists of calcium soap deposits in the vitreous gel and is usually unilateral, with minimal visual effects.

Why is "Vitreous haemorrhage" not the answer?

Vitreous haemorrhage is red.

Why is "Synchysis scintillans" not the answer?

Synchysis scintillans crystals sink in liquefied vitreous.

Why is "Vitritis" not the answer?

Vitritis shows inflammatory cells.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vitreous: asteroid hyalosis in Ophthalmology. In synchysis scintillans the cholesterol crystals settle to the bottom in a liquefied vitreous.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Vitreous: asteroid hyalosis?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.